Student Life: Adjusting Hostel Ways?

With the rise and importance given to education in India, you would find plenty of universities, colleges, institutions and schools everywhere.

And along with the increase in educational institutions, students bank on some beneficial facilities in any university or college, even before they plunge into a decision to join the course. Among the many beneficial facilities, hostel is considered to be one. Apparently, students prefer hostels over luxurious apartments, due to cost constraints. On the flip side, apartment owners may not be willing to rent out to students, because of their weird and inconsistent lifestyles, or probably because of their untimely payment of rent and bills etc.

Entering a new arena of strangers, much away from your familiar surroundings, with people experiencing a similar dilemma as you; confines you to a 'Hostel Life'.

It has certain interesting attractions though, which you may enjoy and benefit out of, along with hostel rules to follow. A care-free atmosphere tagged with freedom. Staying away from parents' eyes could be comfortable on one side; where as personal responsibilities and domestic community hurdles could sway on the other. Influences of a hostel life, may change your course of life altogether.

Well, dear students, just be mentally prepared to face these typical issues, during your hostel days:

Privacy Matters

There may be no room for privacy. You may get acquainted with the word 'sharing', soon. You will no longer live 'alone' in your closet. A single room may be shared by more than 2 persons at a time. Personal matters may get hindered at times. Doing anything openly might cause unnecessary attraction from the other room-mates. Being sober and keeping it to yourself would be ideally recommended.

Lack of proper facilities

The facilities provided by the hostel, may not meet your best expectations. Improper facilities may turn you off quite easily. You would have to use the facilities as they are, and may not be allowed to modify it either. There could be struggles with very basic facilities like rest rooms, beddings, furnitures, wardrobes etc. Even so, adjusting to what is available and maintaining them temporarily would help you achieve your ultimate purpose.

Budget management

The first thing that comes to your mind about living in hostels is budget. You've got to stretch your leg only up to the size of the bed. You may not have many options to pick the apartment of your choice. So, you settle for the hostel which rents out space at nominal costs. Keeping a check on your expenditure matters much. You may have to manage with what you have and be contentful, at least till the time when you are done with the course.

Health

You've got to take extra care to live a healthy lifestyle, especially when you are in hostels. Keep a tab on your food timings and habits. It is advisable to maintain a strict and regular healthy diet. Hygiene and cleanliness must remain on your check-list. Since there are other people living with you in the same space, there could be chances of getting infected from the other person. Infection spreads faster. Sterilise the utensils and the things that you use in common, with anti-infectious lotions. Keep your living area and bathroom clean and dry.

Safety

Anything can happen to anyone at any time. Safety is a sensitive issue. Unfortunately, it cannot be predicted. You may face challenges with theft and unsafe transactions within your hostel premises. However, do not expose your valuables in the open. It is more safer to be observant on your relationship with your in-mates and to maintain communication distance. Try to keep your documents, money, and other valuables safely. Be careful before you trust someone with your belongings.

If you are aware of any other issues faced during your hostel stay or if there are any other hostel etiquettes to follow, please do share it with us.